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Oregon State Beavers spring football quick hits: With four weeks down, Riley looks back and ahead

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Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Richard Mullaney, tackled hard earlier by cornerback Steven Nelson (2) in Friday's indoor spring football practice, came back in with ice on his ankle and on crutches. Coach Mike Riley later said he suffered a sprain.
(Randy L. Rasmussen/The Oregonian)

With just three more practices remaining, including next Saturday’s “Spring Football Showcase,” I asked coach Mike Riley what he’s been happy with so far during workouts.

“There’s a lot of individual growth, for sure,” Rile said, “and new players that are stepping up in general … it’s been just real good work, good enthusiasm for the work. I like kind of the spirit of this team.”

I asked Riley to drop a couple names of newer guys who have made strides during the spring. He said transfer defensive tackle Jalen Grimble, fullback Ricky Ortiz and cornerback Larry Scott before a hamstring injury knocked him out of a chunk of the schedule.

What’s Riley looking for in the final week?

“More of this kind of practice,” Riley said. “Obviously, we have young receivers that have to keep growing. We’re not even close with some guys … we’re gonna get two more days of growth and then have that spring game and set guys up for what they need to work on in the summertime.

MULLANEY INJURED

The Beavers got physical during the team portion of practice.

Maybe too physical, as receiver Richard Mullaney sprained his right ankle after he was absolutely blasted by cornerback Steven Nelson following a catch near the sideline. A few minutes after going down, Mullaney was back with the team on crutches and with ice on his ankle.

Other notable players who missed practice: offensive linemen Sean Harlow, Grant Bays and Garrett Weinreich and tight ends Connor Hamlett, Caleb Smith and Hayden Craig. That means the first offensive line looked like this: Dustin Stanton at left tackle, Nolan Hansen at left guard, Roman Sapolu at center, Fred Lauina at right guard and Gavin Andrews at right tackle. Kellen Clute, expectedly, got a bunch of work at tight end.

Running back Storm Woods, however, returned to practice after missing three workouts with a hamstring injury.

DEFENSIVE TACKLE TALK

Joe Seumalo was the only assistant coach I hadn’t chatted with yet, so I caught up with him today.

He echoed Riley’s thoughts from a couple weeks ago that he’s pleased with the state of the defensive tackles, with the addition of Grimble and the development of guys like Edwin Delva and Siale Hautau.

“We’ve got some talented players that are trying to get acclimated, but I feel real good about our progress,” Seumalo said “ … the interior part is a good competition in there, and guys are playing their (butts) off a little bit, so I think we are strong in there right now.

STILL TO COME

I’ll have more later about the defensive line, specifically on the most versatile and veteran piece, Dylan Wynn.